YAH'SHUAH'S DISCIPLES AND APOSTLES
The Early Disciples Set Us An Example Of Being
Steadfast In Prayer And Supplication
1:9When
he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud
received him out of their sight. 1:10While
they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by
them in white clothing, 1:11who also
said, "You men of the Galil, why do you stand looking into the sky? This
Yah'shuah, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same
way as you saw him going into the sky." 1:12Then
they returned to Yerushalayim from the mount called Olivet, which is near
Yerushalayim, a Shabbat day's journey away. 1:13When
they had come in, they went up into the upper chamber, where they were staying;
that is Kefa, Yahchanan, Ya`akov, And'drai, Pilipos, T'oma, Bar-Talmai,
Mattityahu, Ya`akov the son of Chalfai, Shim`on the Zealot, and Yahudah the son
of Ya`akov. 1:14All these with
one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, with the women,
and Miryam, the mother of Yah'shuah, and with his brothers.
That 1:14 says that the disciples "continued" steadfastly, in one accord, in prayer and supplication, indicates that they were already involved in prayer and supplication prior to the rising into the sky of Yah'shuah. In this these early disciples set us an example that we who are disciples of Yah'shuah ought to follow.
The Early Disciples Followed Yah'shuah's Example
1:15In
these days, Kefa stood up in the midst of the disciples (and there was a
multitude of persons gathered together, about one hundred twenty), and said, 1:16"Brothers, it was necessary that this
Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth
of David concerning Yahudah, who was guide to those who took Yah'shuah. 1:17For he was numbered with us, and received
his portion in this ministry. 1:18Now
this man obtained a field with the reward for his wickedness, and falling
headlong, his body burst open, and all his intestines gushed out. 1:19It became known to everyone who lived in
Yerushalayim that in their language that field was called 'Chakal-Dama,' that
is, 'The field of blood.' 1:20For it
is written in the book of Tehillim,
'Let his habitation be made desolate,
Let no one dwell therein,'
and,
'Let another take his office.'
1:21Of
the men therefore who have accompanied us all the time that the Master
Yah'shuah went in and went out among us, 1:22beginning
from the baptism of Yahchanan, to the day that he was received up from us, of
these must one become a witness with us of his resurrection."
1:23They
put forward two, Yosef called Bar-Sabba, who was surnamed Justus, and Mattiyah.
1:24They prayed, and said,
"You, Master, who knows the hearts of all men, show which one of these two
you have chosen 1:25to take part in
this ministry and apostleship from which Yahudah fell away, that he might go to
his own place." 1:26They
drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Mattiyah, and he was numbered with the
eleven apostles.
Just as Yah'shuah had prayed prior to his selection of his disciples, so also does 1:24 show that the disciples prayed prior to the selection of the one amongst them who would take over Yahudah of Kriot's place in the ministry of apostleship and of witnessing to the resurrection of Yah'shuah.
1:24-25 shows that in selecting those who serve Yahweh, it is important to seek Yahweh's guidance, as it is he - alone - who knows the hearts of all men. And in service to Yahweh it is to the heart that we ought to look, not to men's outward appearances, as even Yahweh showed us through his prophet Shemuel.
The Early Disciples Obeyed Yah'shuah's Command Of
Being Steadfast In Prayer
2:41Then
those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day
about three thousand souls. 2:42They
continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking
of bread, and prayer. 2:43Fear
came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 2:44All who believed were together, and had all
things common. 2:45They sold their
possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had
need. 2:46Day by day, continuing
steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they
took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 2:47praising the Mighty One, and having favor
with all the people. Yahweh added to the assembly day by day those who were
being saved.
2:42 shows that the disciples continued steadfastly in prayer. They heeded Yah'shuah's words, praying continually to Yahweh, without giving up. We should follow their example.
Incorporate Yahweh's Inspired Words In Your
Prayers To Him
4:23Being
let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief Kohanim
and the Zakenim had said to them. 4:24They,
when they heard it, lifted up their voice to the Mighty One with one accord,
and said, "O Master, you are the Mighty One, who made the Heaven, the
earth, the sea, and all that is in them; 4:25who
by the mouth of your servant, David, said,
'Why do the nations rage,
And the peoples plot a vain thing?
4:26The
kings of the earth take a stand,
And the rulers take council together,
Against Yahweh, and against his Messiah.'
4:27For
truly, in this city against your holy servant, Yah'shuah, whom you anointed,
both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Goyim and the people of Yisra'el, were
gathered together 4:28to do whatever
your hand and your council foreordained to happen. 4:29Now, Master, look at their threats, and grant to your
servants to speak your word with all boldness, 4:30while
you stretch forth your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done
through the name of your holy Servant Yah'shuah."
4:31When
they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They
were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of the Mighty One
with boldness. 4:32The multitude
of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that
anything of the things that he possessed was his own, but they had all things
common. 4:33With great power, the
apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Master Yah'shuah.
Great grace was on them all. 4:34For
neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of
lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
4:35and laid them at the apostles'
feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need. 4:36Yosi, who by the apostles was surnamed
Bar-Nabba (which is, being interpreted, Son of Exhortation), a Levite, a man of
4:29-30 shows that the requests the disciples made to Yahweh in their collective prayer of one accord was that Yahweh's servants speak his word with boldness, and that signs and wonders be done forth through the name of Yahweh's holy Servant Yah'shuah.
4:31 shows that Yahweh responded to them just as they had prayed. He answered them by shaking the place where they were gathered together. He filled them all with the Holy Spirit. And they spoke the word of the Mighty One with boldness!
It should also be noted that the prayer they prayed to Yahweh incorporated Yahweh's inspired words contained in his Holy Scriptures. We should likewise incorporate Yahweh inspired words in our prayers to him.
Praying Steadfastly Is A Vital Duty Of Servants Of
Yahweh
6:1Now
in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a
grumbling of the Grecian Yahudim against the Hebrews because their widows were
neglected in the daily service. 6:2The
twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them and said, "It is not
appropriate for us to forsake the word of the Mighty One and serve tables. 6:3Therefore select from among you, brothers,
seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may
appoint over this business. 6:4But
we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word."
6:5These words pleased the whole
multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit,
Pilipos, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of
Antioch; 6:6whom they set before the
apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
6:4 shows that it is indeed the duty of apostles to both pray and to preach the word of Yah'shuah. Prayer is a vital part in the duty of servants of Yahweh.
6:6 shows that the induction of the seven for the work before them was accompanied by both prayer and the laying on of hands. Prayer is vital in service to Yahweh.
How To Receive The Holy Spirit
8:9But
there was a certain man, Shim`on by name, who had used sorcery in the city
before, and amazed the people of Shomron, making himself out to be some great
one, 8:10to whom they all listened,
from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is that great power of
the Mighty One." 8:11They
listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.
8:12But when they believed Pilipos
preaching good news concerning the kingdom of the Mighty One and the name of
Yah'shuah the Messiah, they were baptized, both men and women. 8:13Shim`on himself also believed. Being
baptized, he continued with Pilipos. Seeing signs and great miracles done, he
was amazed.
8:14Now
when the apostles who were at Yerushalayim heard that Shomron had received the
word of the Mighty One, they sent Kefa and Yahchanan to them, 8:15who, when they had come down, prayed for
them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit; 8:16for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only
been baptized into the name of the Master Yah'shuah. 8:17Then they laid their hands on them, and
they received the Holy Spirit.
8:18Now
when Shim`on saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles'
hands, he offered them money, 8:19saying,
"Give me also this power, that whoever I lay my hands on may receive the
Holy Spirit."
8:20But
Kefa said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought
you could obtain the gift of the Mighty One with money! 8:21You have neither part nor lot in this
matter, for your heart isn't right before the Mighty One. 8:22Repent therefore of this, your wickedness,
and ask the Mighty One if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven
you. 8:23For I see that you are in
the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity."
8:24Shim`on
answered, "Pray for me to Yahweh, that none of the things that you have
spoken come on me."
8:25They
therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Master, returned
to Yerushalayim, and preached the good news to many villages of the Shomroni.
8:14-17 shows that receipt of the Holy Spirit is accompanied by prayer and the laying on of hands. Prayer is vital in service to Yahweh.
It should also be remembered that it is indeed the Father's will that his children have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. He also desires to give us his Spirit more than we desire to give good gifts to our own children. Nevertheless, to receive the Holy Spirit, we must still pray to the Father for it. Showing that we acknowledge that the Spirit indeed comes forth from him, and that without him giving the Spirit to us, the Spirit cannot indeed dwell in us. We should therefore pray that Yah'shuah's disciples receive the Holy Spirit.
Yah'shuah's Words Fulfilled In Kefa's Ministry
9:36Now
there was at Yafo a certain disciple named Tavita, which when translated, means
Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy that she did. 9:37It happened in those days that she fell
sick, and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. 9:38As Lud was near Yafo, the disciples,
hearing that Kefa was there, sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in
coming to them. 9:39Kefa got up and
went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper chamber. All
the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments that Dorcas
made while she was with them. 9:40Kefa
put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed. Turning to the body, he
said, "Tavita, get up!" She opened her eyes, and when she saw Kefa,
she sat up. 9:41He gave her his
hand, and raised her up. Calling the holy ones and widows, he presented her
alive. 9:42It became known
throughout all Yafo, and many believed in the Master. 9:43It happened, that he stayed many days in
Yafo with one Shim`on, a tanner.
9:40 shows that it was after prayer in private that Kefa called out to Tavita's dead body and commanded it to get up. And life was restored to it, and she lived again.
Yah'shuah's words to his disciples were therefore being fulfilled, how they would do works as great and greater than those he Yah'shuah did, for Yah'shuah would do those works on their behalf.
Yahweh Pours Out The Holy Spirit On The Goyim
10:1Now
there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was
called the Italian Regiment, 10:2a
devout man, and one who feared the Mighty One with all his house, who gave alms
generously to the people, and always prayed to the Mighty One. 10:3At about the ninth hour of the day, he
clearly saw in a vision an angel of Yahweh coming to him, and saying to him,
"Cornelius!"
10:4He,
fastening his eyes on him, and being frightened, said, "What is it,
Master?"
He said to him, "Your prayers and your
alms have gone up for a memorial before the Mighty One. 10:5Now send men to Yafo, and get one Shim`on,
who is surnamed Kefa. 10:6He lodges
with one Shim`on a tanner, whose house is by the seaside."
10:7When
the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household
servants, and a devout soldier of those who waited on him continually. 10:8Having explained everything to them, he
sent them to Yafo. 10:9Now on the
next day, as they were on their journey, and got close to the city, Kefa
went up on the housetop to pray, at about noon. 10:10He became hungry, and desired to eat, but
while they were preparing, he fell into a trance. 10:11He
saw Heaven opened, and a certain container descending to him, like a great sheet,
let down by four corners on the earth, 10:12in
which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals,
reptiles, and birds of the sky. 10:13A
voice came to him, "Rise, Kefa, kill and
eat!"
10:14But
Kefa said, "Not so, Master; for I have never eaten anything that is common
or unclean."
10:15A
voice came to him again the second time, "What the
Mighty One has cleansed, you must not make unholy." 10:16This was done three times, and immediately
the vessel was received up into Heaven. 10:17Now
while Kefa was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen
might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for
Shim`on's house, stood before the gate, 10:18and
called and asked whether Shim`on, who was surnamed Kefa, was lodging there. 10:19While Kefa thought about the vision, the
Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men seek you. 10:20But arise, get down, and go with them,
doubting nothing; for I have sent them." 10:21Kefa
went down to the men, and said, "Behold, I am he whom you seek. Why have
you come?"
10:22They
said, "Cornelius a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears the Mighty
One, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Yahudim, was directed by a
holy angel to invite you to his house, and to listen to what you say. 10:23So he called them in and lodged them. On
the next day Kefa arose and went out with them, and some of the brothers from
Yafo accompanied him. 10:24On the
next day they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having
called together his relatives and his near friends. 10:25When it happened that Kefa entered,
Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 10:26But Kefa raised him up, saying,
"Stand up! I myself am also a man." 10:27As
he talked with him, he went in, and found many come together. 10:28He said to them, "You yourselves know
how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Yahudi to join himself or come
to one of another nation, but the Mighty One has shown me that I shouldn't call
any man unholy or unclean. 10:29Therefore
also I came without complaint when I was sent for. I ask therefore, why did you
send for me?"
10:30Cornelius
said, "Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth
hour, I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright
clothing, 10:31and said, 'Cornelius,
your prayer is heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of the Mighty
One. 10:32Send therefore to
Yafo, and call to you Shim`on, who is surnamed Kefa. He lodges in the house of
Shim`on a tanner, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.' 10:33Therefore I sent to you at once, and it
was good of you to come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of
the Mighty One to hear all things that have been commanded you by the Mighty
One."
10:34Kefa
opened his mouth and said, "Truly I perceive that the Mighty One doesn't
show favoritism, 10:35but in every
nation he who fears him, and works righteousness, is acceptable to him. 10:36The word which he sent to the children of
Yisra'el, preaching good news of shalom by Yah'shuah the Messiah (he is Master
of all): 10:37that spoken word you
yourselves know, which was proclaimed throughout all Yahudah, beginning from
the Galil, after the baptism which Yahchanan preached; 10:38even Yah'shuah of Natzeret, how the Mighty
One anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing
good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for the Mighty One was
with him. 10:39We are witnesses of
all things that he did both in the country of the Yahudim, and in Yerushalayim;
whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. 10:40The
Mighty One raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed, 10:41not to all the people, but to witnesses
who were chosen before by the Mighty One, to us, who ate and drank with him
after he rose from the dead. 10:42He
charged us to preach to the people, and to testify that this is he who is
appointed by the Mighty One as the Judge of the living and the dead. 10:43All the prophets testify about him, that
through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of
sins."
10:44While
Kefa was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who
heard the word. 10:45They of the
circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Kefa, because the
gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Goyim. 10:46For they heard them speak with other
languages, and magnify the Mighty One.
Then Kefa answered, 10:47"Can any man forbid the water, that
these who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we should not be
baptized?" 10:48He commanded
them to be baptized in the name of Yah'shuah the Messiah. Then they asked him
to stay some days.
11:1Now
the apostles and the brothers who were in Yahudah heard that the Goyim had also
received the word of the Mighty One. 11:2When
Kefa had come up to Yerushalayim, those who were of the circumcision contended
with him, 11:3saying, "You went
in to uncircumcised men, and ate with them!"
11:4But
Kefa began, and explained to them in order, saying, 11:5"I was in the city of Yafo praying,
and in a trance I saw a vision: a certain container descending, like it was a
great sheet let down from Heaven by four corners. It came as far as me, 11:6on which, when I had looked intently, I
considered, and saw the four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals,
creeping things, and birds of the sky. 11:7I
also heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Kefa, kill and
eat!' 11:8But I said, 'Not
so, Master, for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered into my mouth.' 11:9But a voice answered me the second time out
of Heaven, 'What the Mighty One has cleansed, don't you
make unholy.' 11:10This was
done three times, and all were drawn up again into Heaven. 11:11Behold, immediately three men stood before
the house where I was, having been sent from Caesarea to me. 11:12The Spirit told me to go with them,
without discriminating. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered
into the man's house. 11:13He told
us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying to him, 'Send to
Yafo, and get Shim`on, whose surname is Kefa, 11:14who
will speak to you words whereby you will be saved, you and all your house.' 11:15As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell
on them, even as on us at the beginning. 11:16I
remembered the word of the Master, how he said, 'Yahchanan
indeed baptized with water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.'
11:17If then the Mighty One gave to
them the same gift as us, when we believed in the Master Yah'shuah the Messiah,
who was I, that I could withstand the Mighty One?"
11:18When
they heard these things, they held their shalom, and glorified the Mighty One,
saying, "Then the Mighty One has also granted to the Goyim repentance to
life!"
10:2 shows that Cornelius was a man who prayed to Yahweh regularly.
10:9 shows that Kefa was a man of prayer, who sought out a private place for himself to pray.
We should emulate the examples of these servants of Yahweh.
Pray For The Welfare Of The Brethren
12:1Now
about that time, Herod the king put forth his hands to oppress some of the
assembly. 12:2He killed Ya`akov, the
brother of Yahchanan, with the sword. 12:3When
he saw that it pleased the Yahudim, he proceeded to seize Kefa also. This was
during the days of matzah. 12:4When
he had captured him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of
four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after
the Pesach. 12:5Kefa therefore
was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to the
Mighty One for him.
12:6The
same night when Herod was about to bring him out, Kefa was sleeping between two
soldiers, bound with two chains. Guards in front of the door kept the prison. 12:7Behold, an angel of Yahweh stood by him,
and a light shone in the cell. He struck Kefa on the side, and woke him up,
saying, "Stand up quickly!" His chains fell off from his hands. 12:8The angel said to him, "Put on your
clothes, and tie on your sandals." He did so. He said to him, "Wrap
your cloak around you, and follow me." 12:9He
went out, and followed him. He didn't know that what was done by the angel was
real, but thought he saw a vision. 12:10When
they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that
leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went out, and passed
on through one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.
12:11When
Kefa had come to himself, he said, "Now I truly know that Yahweh has sent
forth his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from everything
the Jewish people were expecting." 12:12Thinking
about that, he came to the house of Miryam, the mother of Yahchanan whose
surname was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 12:13When Kefa knocked at the door of the gate,
a maid named Rhoda came to answer. 12:14When
she recognized Kefa's voice, she didn't open the gate for joy, but ran in, and
reported that Kefa stood before the gate. 12:15They
said to her, "You are crazy!" But she insisted that it was so. They
said, "It is his angel." 12:16But
Kefa continued knocking. When they had opened, they saw him, and were amazed. 12:17But he, beckoning to them with his hand to
be silent, declared to them how Yahweh had brought him forth out of the prison.
He said, "Tell these things to Ya`akov, and to the brothers." He
departed, and went to another place.
12:5 shows that the brethren prayed for the welfare of one another, especially when they were faced with severe opposition from their enemies.
12:6-10 shows that Yahweh indeed heard the prayers of the assembly, and released Kefa from prison.
12:12 shows that many of the assembly were gathered together and were praying for Kefa's welfare. It is therefore quite in order for assembly members to come together and pray collectively about a matter. Just as there were occasions when the people of Yisrael assembled themselves together and prayed collectively, so also it is the case that those of Yah'shuah's assembly have occasions when they come together and pray collectively.
Serve Yahweh And Yah'shuah With Prayer And Fasting
13:1Now
in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers:
Bar-Nabba, Shim`on who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Menachem the
foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Sha'ul. 13:2As
they served the Master and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate
Bar-Nabba and Sha'ul for me, for the work to which I have called them." 13:3Then, when they had fasted and prayed
and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 13:4So, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit,
they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.
The prophets and teachers of the assembly at Antioch served the Master Yah'shuah with fasting and prayer. We ought to follow in their example.
13:3 shows that even after the Holy Spirit had given command that Bar-Nabba and Shaul be set apart for the work to which he had called them, the prophets and teachers continued to pray, and laid their hands of these two, and sent them on their way. In other words, even when Yahweh has made clear to us his will concerning our service to him, we must still continue to pray for his guidance and help in the manner we so serve him as he has directed.
We continually need Yahweh and the help he avails to us. We cannot do without Yahweh.
Appointments Within Yahweh's Household Should Be
Accompanied With Prayer And Fasting
14:20But
as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and entered into the city. On
the next day he went out with Bar-Nabba to Derbe. 14:21When
they had preached the good news to that city, and had made many disciples, they
returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 14:22confirming
the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that
through many afflictions we must enter into the kingdom of the Mighty One. 14:23When they had appointed Zakenim for
them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the
Master, on whom they had believed.
14:23 shows that Shaul and Bar-Nabba accompanied their appointment of Zakenim for the disciples with prayer and fasting, and then a commendation to the Master Yah'shuah. It should therefore be noted that appointments to key positions in the household of Yahweh should be accompanied with prayer and fasting. This is to seek Yahweh's guidance in the matter, that those whose hearts he approves of be the ones to be appointed to positions of oversight in his household.
The Early Disciples Prayed Collectively
16:16It
happened, as we were going to prayer, that a certain girl having a
spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by fortune
telling.
It was the custom of the disciples to pray collectively.
It therefore appears that the disciples made time to both pray together, and also privately.
It would seem to me that in their collective prayers they did not parade themselves before outsiders to be seen by them that they were praying. In other words, their collective prayers were private to the disciples, and were not conducted in public. In this manner they continued to remain faithful to Yah'shuah their Master, praying in a manner whereby they did not seek glory from men.
Shaul And Sila Prayed To Yahweh In The Hearing Of
Others
16:25But
about midnight Sha'ul and Sila were praying and singing hymns to the Mighty
One, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Shaul and Sila prayed and sang hymns to the Mighty One, all in the hearing of their fellow prisoners. This shows that when we are in a situation whereby we are denied privacy, we are still supposed to continue praying to Yahweh the Mighty One. In such a case we are not praying in the hearing of outsiders in order to seek their glory. But we have been put in a situation whereby we do not have privacy to so pray to Yahweh.
It therefore appears that praying to Yahweh is more important than looking for a private place to pray to him. Therefore, if no private place is available to facilitate private prayer to Yahweh, we are still required to pray to Yahweh, even in the observation and hearing of outsiders. But we should be careful not to seek their glory in so praying.
In Bidding Farewell, The Disciples Prayed
Collectively
20:17From
Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to himself the Zakenim of the assembly. 20:18When they had come to him, he said to
them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how
I was with you all the time, 20:19serving
the Master with all humility, with many tears, and with trials which happened
to me by the plots of the Yahudim; 20:20how
I didn't shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, teaching
you publicly and from house to house, 20:21testifying
both to Yahudim and to Yevanim repentance toward the Mighty One, and faith
toward our Master Yah'shuah the Messiah. 20:22Now,
behold, I go bound by the Spirit to Yerushalayim, not knowing what will happen
to me there; 20:23except that the
Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for
me. 20:24But these things don't
count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with
joy, and the ministry which I received from the Master Yah'shuah, to fully
testify to the good news of the grace of the Mighty One. 20:25Now, behold, I know that you all, among
whom I went about preaching the kingdom of the Mighty One, will see my face no
more. 20:26Therefore I testify to
you this day that I am clean from the blood of all men, 20:27for I didn't shrink from declaring to you
the whole counsel of the Mighty One. 20:28Take
heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has
made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Master and the Mighty One
which he purchased with his own blood. 20:29For
I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not
sparing the flock. 20:30Men will
arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the
disciples after them. 20:31Therefore
watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn't cease to admonish
everyone night and day with tears. 20:32Now,
brothers, I entrust you to the Mighty One, and to the word of his grace, which
is able to build up, and to give you the inheritance among all those who are
sanctified. 20:33I coveted no one's
silver, or gold, or clothing. 20:34You
yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who
were with me. 20:35In all things I
gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to
remember the words of the Master Yah'shuah, that he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
20:36When
he had spoken these things, he kneeled down and prayed with them all. 20:37They all wept a lot, and fell on Sha'ul's
neck and kissed him, 20:38sorrowing
most of all because of the word which he had spoken, that they should see his
face no more. They brought him on his way to the ship.
21:1When
it happened that we had parted from them and had set sail, we came with a
straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 21:2Having found a ship crossing over to
Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set sail. 21:3When
we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Aram,
and landed at Tzor, for there the ship was to unload her cargo. 21:4Having found disciples, we stayed there
seven days. These said to Sha'ul through the Spirit, that he should not go up
to Yerushalayim. 21:5When it
happened that we had accomplished the days, we departed and went on our
journey. They all, with wives and children, brought us on our way until we were
out of the city. Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed. 21:6After saying goodbye to each other, we went
on board the ship, and they returned home again.
20:36 and 21:5 show that it is indeed appropriate for disciples to pray collectively when at least one amongst their number is departing away from them and going to a different part of the world.
Prayer Accompanies The Laying On Of Hands Upon The
Sick
28:7Now
in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief man of the
island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously entertained us three
days. 28:8It was so, that the father
of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Sha'ul entered in to him,
prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him. 28:9Then when this was done, the rest also that
had diseases in the island came, and were cured. 28:10They
also honored us with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board the
things that we needed.
28:8 shows that prayer accompanies the laying on of hands upon those who are sick, that they may be healed of their sicknesses.
Pray For One Another Unceasingly
1:8First,
I thank my Mighty One through Yah'shuah the Messiah for all of you, that your
faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world. 1:9For
the Mighty One is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the good news of his
Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers, 1:10requesting, if by any means now at length I
may be prospered by the will of the Mighty One to come to you. 1:11For I long to see you, that I may impart to
you some spiritual gift, to the end you may be established; 1:12that is, that I with you may be comforted
in you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine.
1:9 shows that Shaul unceasingly and always made mention of the disciples in his prayers. He prayed that Yahweh facilitate their meeting together, that each may comfort the other by their faith in the Yah'shuah the Messiah.
Disciples of Yah'shuah should therefore pray for one another unceasingly, praying that they may comfort one another by their faith in the Master.
Draw On The Spirit To Intercede For You In Your
Prayers To Yahweh
8:26In
the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don't know how to
pray as we ought. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for us with
groanings that can't be uttered. 8:27He
who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit's mind, because he makes
intercession for the holy ones according to the Mighty One.
Seeing that we do not know how to pray as we ought, we should draw on the Spirit to intercede for us before Yahweh the Mighty One, and make up for our deficiencies.
10:1Brothers,
my heart's desire and my prayer to the Mighty One is for Yisra'el, that they
may be saved.
Shaul prayed that Yisrael be saved. So should we do.
Continue Steadfastly In Prayer
12:12rejoicing
in hope; enduring in oppression; continuing steadfastly in prayer;
Shaul encouraged the brethren to continue steadfastly in prayer.
15:30Now
I beg you, brothers, by our Master Yah'shuah the Messiah, and by the love of
the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to the Mighty
One for me, 15:31that I may be
delivered from those who are disobedient in Yahudah, and that my service which
I have for Yerushalayim may be acceptable to the holy ones; 15:32that I may come to you in joy through the
will of the Mighty One, and together with you, find rest.
Shaul begged the brethren that they join him in praying to the Mighty One that he be delivered from his enemies, and that his service for the brethren mighty be found acceptable before the holy ones, and that he may come to them in joy. These are matters we ought to pray for as they affect each one of us.
Shaul's Counsel On Conduct While Praying And
Fasting
7:5Don't
defraud one another, unless it is by consent for a season, that you may give yourselves
to fasting and prayer, and may be together again, that Hasatan doesn't tempt
you because of your lack of self-control.
Shaul advised that it was not inappropriate for a husband and wife to refrain from sexual relations when they were serving the Master in prayer and fasting. But he also warned them not to make it a prolonged refrain, to avoid temptation to commit sexual immorality, occasioned by lack of self-control on the part of one or both of them.
Those Speaking In Tongues Should Pray For The Gift
Of Interpreting
14:13Therefore
let him who speaks in another language pray that he may interpret. 14:14For if I pray in another language, my
spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
Those speaking in tongues - other languages - should pray for the gift of interpreting what they speak in another language, that they may impart words of understanding to their audience.
Pray That The Brethren Be Perfected
13:7Now
I pray to the Mighty One that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved,
but that you may do that which is honorable, though we are as reprobate. 13:8For we can do nothing against the truth,
but for the truth. 13:9For we
rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. This we also pray for, even your
perfecting.
We should pray that we do no evil, but should instead be perfected.
Pray That Yahweh Blesses Yah'shuah's Disciples
1:15For
this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Master Yah'shuah which is
among you, and the love which you have toward all the holy ones, 1:16don't cease to give thanks for you,
making mention in my prayers, 1:17that
the Mighty One of our Master Yah'shuah the Messiah, the Father of glory, may
give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; 1:18having the eyes of your hearts enlightened,
that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what are the riches of the
glory of his inheritance in the holy ones, 1:19and
what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according
to that working of the strength of his might 1:20which
he worked in Messiah, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at
his right hand in the heavenly places, 1:21far
above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is
named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. 1:22He put all things in subjection under his
feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the assembly, 1:23which is his body, the fullness of him who
fills all in all.
We should not cease to give thanks to Yahweh for the good that he is doing in the lives of other disciples of Yah'shuah.
Pray At All Times, In The Spirit
6:10Finally,
be strong in the Master, and in the strength of his might. 6:11Put on the whole armor of the Mighty One,
that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 6:12For our wrestling is not against flesh and
blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's
rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual hosts of
wickedness in the heavenly places. 6:13Therefore,
put on the whole armor of the Mighty One, that you may be able to withstand in
the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 6:14Stand
therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and
having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 6:15and
having fitted your feet with the preparation of the good news of shalom; 6:16above all, taking up the shield of faith,
with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 6:17Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword
of the Spirit, which is the word of the Mighty One; 6:18with all prayer and requests, praying at
all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and
requests for all the holy ones: 6:19On
my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known
with boldness the mystery of the good news, 6:20for
which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought
to speak. 6:21But that you also may
know my affairs, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful
servant in the Master, will make known to you all things; 6:22whom I have sent to you for this very
purpose, that you may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts.
6:18 shows that we ought to pray at all times, in the Spirit, to be adequately equipped to battle against Hasatan.
6:19 shows that we should pray for Yahweh's servants that they may preach Yahweh's word with boldness.
Pray For The Abounding Of The Love Of The Brethren
1:9This
I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all
discernment; 1:10so that you may approve
the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and void of offense to
the day of Messiah; 1:11being filled
with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Yah'shuah the Messiah, to
the glory and praise of the Mighty One.
We should pray that the love of the brethren may abound in knowledge and discernment, to facilitate their growth in Yahweh's perfection.
2:1I
exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings
of thanks, be made for all men: 2:2for
kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet
life in all righteousness and reverence. 2:3For
this is good and acceptable in the sight of Yahweh, our Savior; 2:4who desires to have all men to be saved, and
come to full knowledge of the truth. 2:5For
there is one Mighty One, and one mediator between the Mighty One and men, the
man Messiah Yah'shuah, 2:6who gave
himself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its own times; 2:7to which I was appointed a preacher and an
apostle (I am telling the truth in Messiah, not lying), a teacher of the Goyim
in faith and truth. 2:8I desire
therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands, without
wrath and doubting.
We should pray for all men, including those in authority, that the brethren may lead quiet and tranquil lives in all righteousness and reverence.
Pray For The Sanctification Of Food Yahweh Has
Prepared For His Holy Ones
4:1But
the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the
faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, 4:2through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies,
branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; 4:3forbidding marriage and commanding to
abstinence from foods which the Mighty One created to be received with
thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4:4For every creature of the Mighty One is
good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving. 4:5For it is sanctified through the word of the
Mighty One and prayer.
4:3-5 shows that foods the Mighty One created to be received with thanksgiving are sanctified through the word of the Mighty One and prayer. We therefore ought to pray for the sanctification of food the Mighty One created to be received with thanksgiving, thanking Yahweh also for giving us that food for our nourishment.
Widows Can Effectively Serve Yahweh In Prayers And
Petitions
5:1Don't
rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers; 5:2the elder women as mothers; the younger as
sisters, in all purity. 5:3Honor
widows who are widows indeed. 5:4But
if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety
towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in
the sight of the Mighty One. 5:5Now
she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set on the Mighty One,
and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. 5:6But she who gives herself to pleasure is
dead while she lives. 5:7Also
command these things, that they may be without reproach. 5:8But if anyone doesn't provide for his own,
and specially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an
unbeliever. 5:9Let none be enrolled
as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 5:10well reported of for good works; if she has
brought up children, if she has used hospitality to strangers, if she has
washed the holy ones' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has
diligently followed every good work. 5:11But
refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Messiah, they
desire to marry; 5:12having
condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge. 5:13Besides, they also learn to be idle, going
about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies,
saying things which they ought not. 5:14I
desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the
household, and give no occasion to the adversary for reviling. 5:15For already some have turned aside after
Hasatan.
5:5 shows that widows can effectively serve Yahweh in petitions and prayers night and day. Widows and others ought to so pray and petition Yahweh.
5:7Who
in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong
crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been
heard for his righteous fear,
Yah'shuah offered up to Yahweh prayers and petitions, with strong crying and tears. We should learn from Yah'shuah and likewise pray intensely to Yahweh.
Pray And Sing Praises To Yahweh
5:13Is
any among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praises. 5:14Is any among you sick? Let him call for the
Zakenim of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in
the name of Yahweh, 5:15and the
prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Master will raise him up. If
he has committed sins, it will be forgiven him. 5:16Confess
your offenses one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed.
The effective, earnest prayer of a righteous man is powerfully effective. 5:17Eliyah was a man with a nature like ours,
and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it didn't rain on the earth
for three years and six months. 5:18He
prayed again, and the sky gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit.
Those who are undergoing suffering should pray and be prayed for that their suffering may end.
We should also learn from the lives of faithful servants of Yahweh, whose prayers have been very effective in their results.
Do Righteousness, That Yahweh May Hear Your
Prayers
3:1In
like manner, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any
don't obey the Word, they may be gained by the behavior of their wives without
a word; 3:2seeing your pure behavior
in fear. 3:3Let your beauty be not
just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold,
or of putting on fine clothing; 3:4but
in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a humble
and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of the Mighty One of great value. 3:5For this is how the holy women before, who
hoped in the Mighty One, also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their
own husbands: 3:6as Sarah obeyed
Avraham, calling him master, whose children you now are, if you do well, and
are not put in fear by any terror. 3:7You
husbands, in like manner, live with your wives according to knowledge, giving
honor to the woman, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the
grace of life; not cutting off your prayers. 3:8Finally,
be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted,
courteous, 3:9not rendering evil for
evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; for to this were you
called, that you should inherit a blessing. 3:10For,
"He who would love life,
And see good days,
Let him keep his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
3:11Let
him turn away from evil, and do good.
Let him seek shalom, and pursue it.
3:12For
the eyes of Yahweh are on the righteous,
And his ears open to their prayer;
But the face of Yahweh is against those who
do evil."
3:7 shows that husbands should live with their wives in a manner that is compliant with Yahweh's word, that Yahweh may hear their prayers. For when we disregard Yahweh's word our prayers are hindered, whether we are men or women. All of us should therefore abide by Yahweh's word that he may indeed hear our prayers.
3:12 reiterates that Yahweh hears the prayers of the righteous, but sets his face against those who do evil.
4:7But
the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and
sober in prayer.
We should be sober in our prayers, especially seeing that the end of the age is near.
1:20But
you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in
the Holy Spirit.
We should be praying in the Holy Spirit.
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